U.S. patent application number 12/123159 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-19 for method and apparatus pertaining to selectively blocking a lock hasp.
Invention is credited to Justen S. Ferguson, James J. Fitzgibbon, Robert John Olmsted.
Application Number | 20090282875 12/123159 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41314854 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090282875 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olmsted; Robert John ; et
al. |
November 19, 2009 |
Method and Apparatus Pertaining to Selectively Blocking a Lock
Hasp
Abstract
These various embodiments can be deployed in conjunction with a
movable barrier (100) and an end user manipulable lock hasp (300)
and generally provide a movable hasp-blocking member (301) and a
transport member (302) that can selectively move that hasp-blocking
member between a hasp-blocking position and a non-blocking
position. By one approach, this transport member further comprises
a locking component (305) that readily permits the movable
hasp-blocking member to be pulled from the hasp-blocking position
towards the non-blocking position but that resists pushing of the
movable hasp-blocking member towards the non-blocking position.
These teachings will also generally provide for a barrier mounting
member that is configurable to secure the movable hasp-blocking
member and the remotely controllable transport member to the
movable barrier.
Inventors: |
Olmsted; Robert John; (Wood
Dale, IL) ; Fitzgibbon; James J.; (Batavia, IL)
; Ferguson; Justen S.; (Peoria, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITCH EVEN TABIN & FLANNERY
120 SOUTH LASALLE STREET, SUITE 1600
CHICAGO
IL
60603-3406
US
|
Family ID: |
41314854 |
Appl. No.: |
12/123159 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 70/30 20150401;
E05B 2047/0023 20130101; E05B 63/143 20130101; E05B 47/0012
20130101; E05B 65/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/2 |
International
Class: |
E05B 65/48 20060101
E05B065/48 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for use with a movable barrier and an end user
manipulable lock hasp, comprising: a movable hasp-blocking member;
a transport member configured to selectively move the movable
hasp-blocking member between: a hasp-blocking position that
prevents the hasp from being moved by an end user to an unsecured
position that will permit the end user to move the movable barrier
to an opened position; and a non-blocking position that does not
prevent the hasp from being moved by the end user to the unsecured
position; wherein the transport member further comprises an
articulated portion that bears at least one pin, such that when the
movable hasp-blocking member is in the hasp-blocking position, the
at least one pin resists forced movement of the movable
hasp-blocking member towards the non-blocking position; a barrier
mounting member configurable to secure the movable hasp-blocking
member and the remotely controllable transport member to the
movable barrier.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the end user manipulable lock
hasp is attached to the movable barrier.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transport member comprises
a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member that
are operably coupled by the articulated portion.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first longitudinal member
and the second longitudinal member are disposed substantially
co-axial to one another.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the articulated portion
comprises a first link that is pivotally connected to the first
longitudinal member and a second link that is pivotally connected
to the second longitudinal member.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a track that
receives the at least one pin.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the track comprises a curved
portion that guides the at least one pin into a particular
position, when the movable hasp-blocking member is in the hasp
blocking position, that causes the pin to resist the forced
movement of the movable hasp-blocking member towards the
non-blocking position.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a transport member
mover configured to selectively move the transport member between
the hasp-blocking position and the non-blocking position.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising: a wireless receiver
that is configured to receive wireless remote control signals and
wherein the transport member mover is responsive to the remote
control signals.
10. An apparatus for use with a movable barrier and an end user
manipulable lock hasp, comprising: a movable hasp-blocking member;
a transport member configured to selectively move the movable
hasp-blocking member between: a hasp-blocking position that
prevents the hasp from being moved by an end user to an unsecured
position that will permit the end user to move the movable barrier
to an opened position; and a non-blocking position that does not
prevent the hasp from being moved by the end user to the unsecured
position; wherein the transport member further comprises a locking
component that readily permits the movable hasp-blocking member to
be pulled from the hasp-blocking position towards the non-blocking
position but that resists pushing of the movable hasp-blocking
member towards the non-blocking position; a barrier mounting member
configurable to secure the movable hasp-blocking member and the
remotely controllable transport member to the movable barrier.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the locking component
comprises an articulated portion that bears at least one pin, such
that when the movable hasp-blocking member is in the hasp-blocking
position, the at least one pin resists forced movement of the
movable hasp-blocking member towards the non-blocking position.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the articulated portion
comprises a first link that is pivotally connected to the first
longitudinal member and a second link that is pivotally connected
to the second longitudinal member.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a track that
receives the at least one pin.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the track comprises a curved
portion that guides the at least one pin into a particular
position, when the movable hasp-blocking member is in the hasp
blocking position, that causes the pin to resist the forced
movement of the movable hasp-blocking member towards the
non-blocking position.
15. An apparatus for use with a movable barrier and an end user
manipulable lock hasp, wherein the hasp has an exterior periphery,
the apparatus comprising: a movable hasp-blocking member; a
transport member configured to selectively move the movable
hasp-blocking member between: a hasp-blocking position that
positions the hasp-blocking member to be in proximity of the
exterior periphery of the hasp and thereby prevent the hasp from
being moved by an end user to an unsecured position that will
permit the end user to move the movable barrier to an opened
position and a non-blocking position; and a non-blocking position
that does not prevent the hasp from being moved by the end user to
the unsecured position; a barrier mounting member configurable to
secure the movable hasp-blocking member and the remotely
controllable transport member to the movable barrier.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the transport member further
comprises a locking component that readily permits the movable
hasp-blocking member to be pulled from the hasp-blocking position
towards the non-blocking position but that resists pushing of the
movable hasp-blocking member towards the non-blocking position.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the locking component
comprises an articulated portion that bears at least one pin, such
that when the movable hasp-blocking member is in the hasp-blocking
position, the at least one pin resists forced movement of the
movable hasp-blocking member towards the non-blocking position.
18. A method for use with a movable barrier and an end user
manipulable lock hasp that is secured to the movable barrier,
wherein the hasp has an exterior periphery, the method comprising:
securing to the movable barrier an apparatus comprising: a movable
hasp-blocking member; a transport member configured to selectively
move the movable hasp-blocking member between: a hasp-blocking
position that positions the hasp-blocking member to be in proximity
the exterior periphery of the hasp and thereby prevent the hasp
from being moved by an end user to an unsecured position that will
permit the end user to move the movable barrier to an opened
position; and a non-blocking position that does not prevent the
hasp from being moved by the end user to the unsecured position; a
barrier mounting member configurable to secure the movable
hasp-blocking member and the remotely controllable transport member
to the movable barrier.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: using the apparatus
to selectively overlock the hasp by using the transport member to
move the movable hasp-blocking member to the hasp-blocking
position.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein using the apparatus to
selectively overlock the hasp comprises receiving a wireless remote
control message.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising: using the apparatus
to selectively undo the overlock by using the transport member to
move the movable hasp-blocking member to the non-blocking position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to lock hasps and more
particularly to lock hasp overlooking.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Lock hasps of various kinds are known in the art. In this
context, a hasp comprises a locking member that can be secured in a
locked position by, for example, a padlock, pin, or the like. End
user manipulable lock hasps are used, for example, in conjunction
with self storage facilities in order to permit a subscribing end
user to use their own personal locking device, such as a padlock,
to lock the movable barrier that provides access to their assigned
storage areas.
[0003] Overlocking is also known in the art. Overlocking generally
comprises the practice of accommodating an additional lock, such as
an additional padlock, when securing a lock hasp in place. Self
storage facilities often make use of overlooking in order to
prevent a subscriber from gaining access to their assigned storage
area when they are in arrears with respect to the terms and
conditions of their rental agreement and/or to secure an unassigned
storage area from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
[0004] Numerous practical problems are associated with overlooking
approaches that make use of a supplemental padlock. Such an
approach, for example, can increase manpower requirements for a
given self storage facility in order to timely apply and remove
overlooking padlocks from individual storage units. As a given
facility can have hundreds or even thousands of individual storage
units, such servicing can present a considerable logistics
challenge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The above concerns are at least partially met through
provision of the method and apparatus pertaining to selectively
blocking a lock hasp described in the following detailed
description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the
drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 comprises a perspective detail view as configured in
accordance with the prior art;
[0007] FIG. 2 comprises a front elevational view as configured in
accordance with the prior art;
[0008] FIG. 3 comprises a front elevational view as configured in
accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 comprises a detail perspective view as configured in
accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 5 comprises a detail front elevational view as
configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;
and
[0011] FIG. 6 comprises a front elevational view as configured in
accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
[0012] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or
relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be
exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve
understanding of various embodiments of the present invention.
Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or
necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not
depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present invention. It will further be
appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or
depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in
the art will understand that such specificity with respect to
sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that
the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Generally speaking, these various embodiments can be
deployed in conjunction with a movable barrier and an end user
manipulable lock hasp. These embodiments generally provide a
movable hasp-blocking member and a transport member that is
configured to selectively move that movable hasp-blocking member
between a hasp-blocking position (that prevents the hasp from being
moved by an end user to an unsecured position that will permit the
end user to move the movable barrier to an opened position) and a
non-blocking position (that does not prevent the hasp from being
moved by the end user to the unsecured position). By one approach,
this transport member further comprises a locking component that
readily permits the movable hasp-blocking member to be pulled from
the hasp-blocking position towards the non-blocking position but
that resists pushing of the movable hasp-blocking member towards
the non-blocking position. These teachings will also generally
provide for a barrier mounting member that is configurable to
secure the movable hasp-blocking member and the remotely
controllable transport member to the movable barrier.
[0014] By one approach, the aforementioned locking component
comprises an articulated portion that bears at least one pin, such
that when the movable hasp-blocking member is in the hasp-blocking
position, the at least one pin resists forced movement of the
movable hasp-blocking member towards the non-blocking position.
[0015] So configured, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
such a movable hasp-blocking member can be selectively manipulated
to be placed in proximity to an exterior periphery of the hasp to
thereby prevent the hasp from being moved by an end user to an
unsecured position and to similarly permit selectively moving the
movable hasp-blocking member to a non-proximal location that does
not interfere with the exterior periphery of the hasp and hence
does not prevent such end user manipulations of the hasp.
[0016] These teachings can be readily deployed with respect to new
installations but can also be readily used in conjunction with
already-installed end user manipulable lock hasps. By one approach
the movement of the transport member can be made subject to the
receipt of a remote control signal to thereby permit, for example,
the manager of a self storage facility to engage or disengage the
movable hasp-blocking member with respect to the lock hasp as
desired without requiring that manager or another authorized person
to personally and physically visit the corresponding self storage
unit. These teachings are readily realized using existing
technologies and will no doubt also readily accommodate future
developments in these regards.
[0017] These and other benefits may become clearer upon making a
thorough review and study of the following detailed description.
Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, it may
be helpful to first provide a more detailed description of certain
relevant prior art elements. Many prior art movable barriers 100
comprise a somewhat flexible rolling shutter that features
horizontally-disposed corrugation-like elements. These elements
include regularly spaced recessed areas 101 that vertically
separate other raised portions 102 of the movable barrier 100. This
configuration, in turn, permits some degree of flexure that permits
the movable barrier to be moved along a track that includes an
arcuate portion (to thereby permit, for example, a majority of the
movable barrier 100 to be disposed horizontally when in an opened
position and parallel to a ceiling of the corresponding storage
unit).
[0018] These recessed areas 101 are sometimes used to receive a
corresponding end user manipulable lock hasp assembly 200 as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Such an assembly 200 typically features a
frame 201 having flanges 201 that meet the raised portions 102 of
the movable barrier 100 and a housing portion 203 that fits within
the recessed area 101 of the movable barrier 100. The flanges 201,
in turn, often have holes 202 formed therethrough to permit the
lock hasp assembly 200 to be securely attached to the movable
barrier 100 by use of rivets, tamper-proof bolts, or the like.
[0019] This lock hasp assembly 200 also features an end user
manipulable lock hasp 204 that can slide back and forth,
horizontally, in order to move a hand-manipulable portion 205 at
one end and a locking portion 206 at the opposing end. The locking
portion 206 can comprise, for example, a blade that fits within a
corresponding recess in the movable barrier frame (not shown) and
which serves, when so placed, to prevent the movable barrier 100
from being moved vertically. The hand-manipulable portion 205 often
includes one or more holes formed therethrough to receive the end
user's padlock to thereby permit the end user to lock the locking
portion 206 in a locked position.
[0020] For the sake of illustration and example, the
above-described prior art elements will be used when describing
various aspects of various embodiments that accord with these
teachings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate and recognize
that the use of such examples is intended to serve only as an
illustrative example and is not intended to serve as an exhaustive
or otherwise limiting example in this regard. In particular, it
will be clearly understood that these teachings are readily
employed with movable barriers and lock hasp assemblies having
differing form factors.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 3, and to continue with the
illustrative example begun above, by one approach the present
apparatus 300 can be similarly fit within the recessed area 101 of
a movable barrier 100 proximal to a similarly mounted lock hasp
assembly 200. This apparatus 300 generally comprises a movable
hasp-blocking member 301 that is operably coupled to a transport
member 302. This transport member 302 is comprised of two
coaxially-aligned longitudinal members comprising cylinders 303 and
304 with the first cylinder 303 being connected to the movable
hasp-blocking member 301. These two cylinders 303 and 304 are, in
turn, connected to one another by an articulated portion 305 that
serves as a locking component as described herein.
[0022] The remaining cylinder 304 has an axially-disposed threaded
bore that receives and interacts with a threaded drive shaft 306.
This threaded drive shaft 306, in turn, is connected to the output
of a motor 307. So configured, rotating the motor's output in one
direction will cause the corresponding cylinder 304 to move away
from the motor 307 and towards the lock hasp assembly 200 while
rotating the motor's output in the opposite direction will cause
the corresponding cylinder 304 to move away from the hasp lock
assembly 200 and towards the motor 307.
[0023] A cover (shown and described further herein) for the
apparatus 300 has a track 308 formed therein. This track 308 is,
for the most part, parallel to the transport member 302 but also
includes at one end a curved portion 309. This track 308 is sized
and configured to interact with one or more pins as comprise a part
of the transport member 302. These pins and the aforementioned
articulated portion 305 will now be described in more detail with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0024] In this illustrative example, this articulated portion 305
comprises a first link 401 that is pivotally connected to the
cylinder 304 of the transport member 302 that couples to the motor.
This articulated portion 305 then further comprises a second link
402 that is pivotally connected to the remaining cylinder 303 of
the transport member 302 (that is, the cylinder that connects to
the aforementioned hasp-blocking member 301). This first link 401
and this second link 402 are then pivotally connected to one
another to form the articulated portion 305.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the motor-side cylinder 304 of the
transport member 302 has a first pin 403 attached thereto that, in
this illustrative example, extends outwardly in a perpendicular
manner. The pivot point of the articulated portion 305 has a second
pin 404 extending outwardly therefrom in a same direction as the
first pin 403. Both of these pins 401 and 402 are disposed within
the aforementioned track 308 which comprises a part of a cover for
the overall assembly 300.
[0026] Referring to each of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, those skilled in the
art will now recognize and understand that as the transport member
302 is moved away from the motor 307 and towards the rearward
portion 205 of the lock hasp 204, the second pin 404 which
comprises a part of the articulated portion 305 will follow the
arcuate portion 309 of the track to the conclusion of the track. At
this point, the pin 404 will encounter the terminus of the track
and halt further movement of the transport member 302 in this
direction. At this point, as perhaps is most clearly shown in FIG.
5, the hasp-blocking member 301 will be in close proximity to the
exterior periphery of the hasp 204 (for example, within 0.0 to 10.0
millimeters). So disposed, the hasp-blocking member 301 will now
prevent the hasp 204 from being moved by an end user to an
unsecured position that would permit the end user to then move the
movable barrier 100 to an opened position.
[0027] More particularly, those skilled in the art will recognize
and understand that the second pin 404 will interact with the
curved portion 309 of the track to resist forced movement of the
movable hasp-blocking member 301 back towards the non-blocking
position shown in FIG. 3. (As used herein, it will be understood
that this expression "resist" refers to a significant multiple of
the amount of force that is required to move the hasp-blocking
member 301 into this position in the first instance. For example,
by this configuration, it may require ten times the force to push
the articulated portion 309 back towards the motor 307 as was
required to move the articulated portion 309 into this position. As
another example, these parts could be comprised of materials and
tolerances that would require exerting 100 times the initial
placement effort. Generally speaking, for most purposes, it will
suffice when the amount of resistance is greater than that which an
average-sized adult person having average strength is able to
impose by hand upon the end user manipulable lock hasp 204.)
[0028] Viewed another way, it will be readily appreciated that
these teachings provide a locking component that readily permits
the movable hasp-blocking member 301 to be pulled from the
hasp-locking position (as shown in FIG. 5) towards the non-blocking
position (as shown in FIG. 3) but that resists pushing of the
movable hasp-blocking member towards the non-blocking position.
[0029] Referring now momentarily to FIG. 6, for the sake of
illustration a single movable barrier 100 is shown with two such
apparatuses 300 attached thereto in conjunction with two
corresponding lock hasp assemblies 200 (one with its hasp in a
barrier-locking position and the other with its hasp in a
barrier-unlocked position). Each apparatus 300 has a frame portion
601 that is configured to fit within the recessed area of the
movable barrier 100 in a manner akin to that described earlier for
the lock hasp assembly 200. This frame portion 601 can have holes
604 disposed therethrough to permit the frame portion 601 to serve
as a barrier mounting member that will permit the securing of the
apparatus 300 and its components to the movable barrier 100 by use
of rivets or the like.
[0030] In addition, the assembly 300 has a cover 602 that overlies
the above-described elements to protect such elements from
unauthorized access and to also provide the aforementioned track.
By one approach, this cover 602 can have a portion 603 that also
overlies a portion of the lock hasp assembly 200. This can provide
further assurance against an unauthorized person unduly interfering
with or otherwise frustrating the operation of the apparatus 300 as
described.
[0031] Referring again to FIG. 3, the aforementioned motor 307 can
connect to, and be controlled by, a controller circuit 310. These
various components can receive their operating power from batteries
311 if desired to further support the self-sufficiency of the
apparatus 300. By one approach, if desired, the controller circuit
310 can further comprise, or can otherwise operably couple to, a
wireless receiver that is configured to receive wireless remote
control signals. By this approach, the controller circuit 310 can
respond to remote control signals that are sourced, for example,
from the management office of a self storage facility to control
the position and movement of the aforementioned transport member
304 (and hence the movable hasp-blocking member 301).
[0032] Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that
the aforementioned controller circuit 310 can comprise a
fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a partially or
wholly programmable platform. All of these architectural options
are well known and understood in the art and require no further
description here. The processing of received remote control
instructions and the corresponding operation of the motor 307 to
move the hasp-blocking member 301 to blocking and non-blocking
positions can be effected via, for example, corresponding
programming as will be well understood by those skilled in the
art.
[0033] Such an apparatus 300 can be readily used with a movable
barrier having a corresponding end user manipulable lock hasp that
is secured to that movable barrier. It will be appreciated and
understood that such an apparatus 300 can be readily secured to the
movable barrier and then used to selectively overlock the hasp by
using the described transport member to move the movable
hasp-blocking member to the hasp-blocking position. It will be
further appreciated that such functionality can be achieved, if
desired, in response to receiving a wireless remote control
message. It will also be appreciated and understood that such an
action can be readily reversed by again using the transport member
to move the movable hasp-blocking member to the non-blocking
position.
[0034] These teachings provide a highly cost effective, easily
installed, readily maintained, and easily operated overlooking
system that can be readily scaled to accommodate essentially any
number of lock hasps in, for example, a self service storage
facility. It will also be noted that these teachings are readily
leveraged through use with any of a wide variety of lock hasp form
factors and designs.
[0035] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with
respect to the above described embodiments without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications,
alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the
ambit of the inventive concept. As but one example in this regard,
and as suggested by FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the apparatus 300 can
comprise a second track that interacts with one or more pins that
are borne by the cylinder 303 of the transport member 302 that
interacts directly with the hasp-blocking member 301. These pins
and this second track can cooperate with one another, for example,
to provide a stop to properly terminate movement of the
hasp-blocking member 301 when moving towards the hasp.
* * * * *